The ProTECT Act Aims To End Trophy Imports & Canned Hunting Of Endangered Species In The U.S.

The ProTECT Act (H.R. 1934) was reintroduced last week in the U.S. with the aim of safeguarding vulnerable wildlife and ending the trophy hunting of species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) reintroduced the ProTECT Act, honoring the legacy of its late sponsor, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX). The bill aims to prevent the importation of trophies from endangered species and prohibit the killing of listed species for trophy hunting within the United States. This legislation resonates with the majority of Americans, according to a 2015 poll revealing that 86% oppose big game hunting.

“Wildlife trafficking must be stopped. When people choose to kill animals to take them home as trophies, they’re being selfish and inhumane,” said Representative Lieu. “This is especially true when it comes to endangered species, which are already at perilous risk of going extinct. I am pleased to re-introduce the ProTECT Act to defend both endangered and threatened species from the senseless practice of trophy hunting. I had the privilege of working with the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on this legislation, and it is in her honor and memory that we will continue to champion this important cause.”

Despite claims made by proponents of trophy hunting, there is no credible scientific evidence to suggest that it offers meaningful conservation or economic benefits. In fact, studies show that charismatic species, such as elephants and lions, are more valuable alive, as they generate tourism dollars and support local economies, compared to when they are killed for so-called trophies.

Trophy hunting can also harm the long-term health and stability of already at-risk populations. Big game hunters typically target the largest and strongest animals, which can cause significant disruption to the social structure of animal groups. This upheaval can negatively affect the behavior of surviving members of the group and may lead to harmful genetic consequences. With many targeted species already facing severe population declines due to habitat loss and poaching, killing more than 100,000 animals for trophies annually only deepens this crisis.

A crucial aspect of the ProTECT Act is its provision to end canned hunting operations within the United States. These are often referred to as “shooting preserves” or “game ranches,” where trophy hunters are allowed to kill animals within enclosed, fenced-in areas. While it is generally illegal to harm ESA-listed species, operators of these ranches can receive permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which allows them to offer hunts involving captive animals.

“Species protected under the Endangered Species Act face many grave threats, including habitat loss and climate change. Killing them for sport makes absolutely no sense if we want to save them from extinction,” said Susan Millward, Animal Welfare Institute’s executive director and chief executive officer. “Let’s not cater to the interests of wealthy hunters who care more about mounting a dead animal’s head on a wall than protecting disappearing species.“

These canned hunts undermine the purpose of the Endangered Species Act by perpetuating demand for trophies of imperiled species, often encouraging further poaching in the wild. Such practices run counter to the ESA’s mission to conserve wildlife and protect species from extinction, not to contribute to their decline.

The ProTECT Act represents a critical step forward in the effort to protect threatened and endangered species and ensure that the practice of trophy hunting no longer puts their survival at risk. By supporting this important bill, we can help preserve our planet’s most vulnerable wildlife for future generations to come.